PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Helen Willa McKee, the mother of Gov. Dan McKee, has passed away at the age of 96, his office announced Friday.
“Our mom and grandmother was an extraordinary source of love, joy, kindness, and support to her husband, children, grandchildren and many friends. Her home will forever be known as a fun, safe, and welcoming place to be,” a statement from the McKee family said.
“Willa McKee’s masterpiece of a life is now complete,” the statement continued. “We are blessed to have her love us all in a very special way. She will be missed and forever loved.”
Willa McKee was featured in Gov. McKee’s political TV ad during his campaign in 2022.
“Not bad for a ‘govahnah’ who lives with his ‘motha,’” she said in the ad .
Her appearance warmed up Gov. McKee’s public image and became the centerpiece of his campaign.
After the ad, Willa McKee appeared in social media posts , T-shirts , and in his primary election-eve robocall that reminded Rhode Islanders to vote.